1.
Topic:ย AM5
Q: Will the AM5 fit a standard photography tripod or just the ZWO supplied one?
A:ย The AM5 mount can work with any 3/8โ screw mount. It is recommended to use the ZWO supplied tripod which will be more convenient, provide better stability and improved safety in use.
2.
Topic: AM5
Q: How do you calculate how much counterbalance weight would be needed?
A:ย According to the engineering calculations, we can calculate the maximum load capacity of AM5 mount:
- 13kg without the counterweight
The OTA should be secured on the AM5 of no more than 20cm in length.
- 20kg with the counterweight.
Supported counterweight: โค5kg.
The counterweight should be secured on a counterweight bar of no more than 25cm in length.
3.
Topic: AM5
Q: How do you balance the telescope with the AM5? Will the axis unlock to check balance, or does it allow a significant difference in balance?
A: It’s OK to keep them roughly balanced. There is no need to precisely adjust the balance.
4.
Topic:ย AM5
Q: Will ZWO be supplying the counterweight arm for purchase?
A:Yes, now you can purchase it via the ZWO website below.
https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/product/zwo-counterweight-bar
5.
Topic: AM5
Q: Will ZWO be making a travel case available?
A: We will not be making a travel case for the AM5. The mount will be sold with an outer packing box in the material which normally used for packing drones.
6.
Topic: AM5
Q: Does the AM5 have a home position sensor?
A:ย Yes, A zero (home) position sensor is fitted, the AM5 mount also features a one-button go to zero position function. At meridian flip the mount will stop. Automated meridian flips will be possible using the ASIAIR andย ย 3rdย partyย acquisitionย programย (e.g. APT,ย SGPย etc.)ย viaย theย ASCOM/INDI platform.
7.
Topic: AM5
Q: Is the AM5 based on the OnStep system?
A:ย NO.ย The AM5 uses a system developed completely and independently by ZWO.
This guarantees system stability and interoperability with ZWO products like ASIAIR and means that future development and system improvements are built by ZWO developers versus 3rd parties.
The AM5 operating system features an online upgrade functionality.
It is compatible with the LX200 command set.
8.
Topic: AM5
Q: Can you connect a ZWO camera to the body to act as a polar alignment camera?ย
A: Yes,ย ZWO cameras can be connected to the AM5 to act as polar alignment cameras.
9.
Topic: AM5
Q: Laser alignment –ย Will we have this function or not?ย
A:ย The Laser function will be removed from the first edition of AM5.
10.
Topic: AM5
Q: Is the braking on both axis – RA and DEC?
A:ย Only on the RA axis. The DEC axis does not need it.
11.
Topic: AM5
Q: Is there a price for the pier extension?
A:ย Now we have PE200 ($39.00โ$169.00) and PE160 ($99.00) , you can choose a suitable one for your own needs.
12.
Topic: AM5
Q:ย Since PE70x2 has been discontinued, what’s the alternative for AM5?
A:ย PE200 has released not long ago. It’s easier to install than PE70 and more stable than PE160.
13.
Topic: AM5
Q: Will the tripod support adding counterweights at low latitudes without the pier extension or just with it?
A: Depending on the length of the OTA you might need a pier extension to avoid collisions. For the low altitudes, if you are adding the counterweight, then you may need to add pier extensions to prevent the bar and the counterweight from hitting the mount.
14.
Topic: AM5
Q: Does the AM5 have 1:3 synchronous belts on both RA and DEC axis?
A: Yes, it does.
Drive – Harmonic drive + Synchronous belt (Reduction ratio: 300:1)
Reducer specification (RA) – Model No.17 (Reduction ratio: 100:1)
Reducer specification (DEC) – Model No.17 (Reduction ratio: 100:1)
Periodic error – ๏ผยฑ20”
PE duration – 432s
Drive (RA) – Harmonic NEMA42 stepper motor + Brake
Drive (DEC) – Harmonic NEMA35 stepper motor
15.
Topic: AM5
Q: How is the AM5 different from the Rainbow Astro 135?
A:ย The AM5 and Rainbow RST-135 both use harmonic drive speed reducers. The AM5 has a larger mount weight and increased load capacity, making it more stable in use.
Each ZWO AM5 harmonic drive speed reducer is tested for periodic error, ensuring it meets the accuracy and the required performance with the benefit that the AM5 is only half the price of the RST-135.
16.
Topic: AM5
Q: How come you recommend a shorter focal length at 900mm? The screenshots of Rosette Nebula and Horsehead are pinpoint.
A: The 900mm focal length is just an estimate based on the 1โ-2โ/px suitable sampling rate (normally the pixel size of an astronomical dedicated cooled camera is 3-4um), so not a recommended value but a guideline. We do recommend keeping your pixel scale above 1โ/px.
17.
Topic: AM5
Q: Does the AM5 connect wirelessly to the ASIAIR Plus, Pro and Original version?
A: Yes – all ASIAIR editions can wirelessly control the AM5.
18.
Topic: AM5
Q: Does the AM5 emit its own WIFI signal?
A: The mount itself does not have Wi-Fi. The hand controller contains the Wi-Fi functionality, which can be wirelessly controlled by ASIAIR or other software on your computer.
19.
Topic: AM5
Q:ย Can I use the mount from my Mac with INDI drivers? Can I control the mount with an iPhone or iPad?
A:ย Yes. You can control AM5 with ASIAIR or ASI Mount App, or use your Phone as a hand controller.
20.
Topic: AM5
Q: Why ZWO is developing a harmonic drive mount? The harmonic drive mount is not that accurate in guiding compared to traditional mounts.
A: Compared to other mounts the harmonic drive mount offers greater portability, its lightweight construction is easier to transport and so is the perfect choice for astronomers who enjoy field trips to dark locations for their imaging. Also, the harmonic drive mount is more suitable for beginners since it does not need accurate balance.
The ZWO AM5 mount has a strong performance combined with a very reasonable price.
21.
Topic: AM5
Q: The tripod might not be very stable for larger loads?
A: There is a centre 3/8″ locking knob along with 3 x M6 screws for securing the AM5 head to the tripod.
The tripod is also supplied with a weight bag, which will provide additional stability to your mount when loaded with sand, stones or even your portable batteries.
22.
Topic: AM5
Q: Can the AM5 mount carry a Celestron C11HD?
A: To ensure stability of such a large OTA we recommend you use the optional counterweights to prevent large and heavy telescopes such as Celestron C11from tipping the tripod over.
The load capacity of AM5 mount without counterweights is 13kg, 20kg with counterweights. If you plan on large OTAโs like the C11 then donโt forget to take the counterweights with you when heading out to image.
23.
Topic: AM5
Q:ย What the voltage range would be for the AM5? I have looked at the manual and it only specifies 12V.ย I am wondering how it would behave with a regulated 13.8V coming from a car battery.
A: The range is 11-15V, and we recommend that the power supply capacity of the adapter be at least 3A or more.
24.
Topic: AM5
Q: Will the mount be integrated with ASIAIR?ย How to use the GOTO function if I do not have the hand controller?
A: The ASIAIR will provide full control functionality for the AM5 and connect wirelessly. You will also be able to connect and control the mount using the dedicated AM5 app via wireless connection.
GOTO functionality is also available via USB, and you can connect the AM5 to other astronomy compatible software using a USB cabled connection. In this configuration the hand controller does not need to be used.
We will consider integrating the ASIAIR into the mount in any possible future designs.
25.
Topic: AM5
Q: Does AM5 mount support ASCOM?
A: Yes, it supports ASCOM, INDI and is compatible with the LX200 command set.
26.
Topic: AM5
Q: Why is the mount called AM5?
A: A represents ASI; M represents mount; 5 represents the grade.
27.
Topic: AM5
Q: Will there be any encoder upgrades in the future?
A: Currently no, the AM5 mount is still considered an entry-level mount. In any future design we may consider adding encoders.
28.
Topic: AM5
Q: Does the mount support PEC?
A: No PEC functionality is included at this time.
29.
Topic: AM5
Q: Why the buzzer inside the AM5 will beep?
A:ย The buzzer inside the mount will beep to alert the user to a low voltage situation.
30.
Topic: Ordering
Q: Does the pre-order stage mean we need to pay the full amount or just a deposit?
A: Mount orders require payment in full at time of ordering
31.
Topic: Ordering
Q: Will ZWO be selling the optional counterweights?
A: Currently ZWO does not plan to sell counterweights. You can utilise any commonly available ones that fit the counterweight bar diameter.
32.
Topic: Ordering
Q: When will payment be taken at ordering?
A: Payment will be taken at time of order. The estimated shipping date is the end of March or early April.
33.
Topic: After-sale
Q: If purchased directly from you and item has warranty issues, can it be dealt with by a local dealer or does it have to be shipped back to you?
A:ย Now we have local dealers can provide assistance to deal with warranty issues for you. And if they can’t help you with your problem, feel free to contact us anytime!
Comment *I have the Askar 130 (13Kg) and camera, ASI Air, EFW, EAF, ASI 2600mm with a wright of about 5 Kg. The total weight is about 18Kg. I have ordered the counterweight bar, but what weight do I need for the counterweight?
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Hello! We recommend 5kg of counterweight.
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Can i add a regular polar scope to this product? I am not a fan of electronic polar alignment
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Yes, no problem.
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can you post a video on how to setup and use the mount in alt az mode using hand controller and AM5 app.
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Do I power the am5 with the same cable I use for my ASIAIR pro?
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Hello! Is your issue resolved? If not, please email us at support@zwoptical.com with further details. If your issue has been resolved or if you have any other questions, feel free to contact us anytime. Thank you for your message and support!
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Can I use the AM5 manually without using the auto guiding? Meaning, finding a deep space object manually just for fun for my friends? Is that possible?
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Yes, no problem.
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Hi am planning to buy this mount thru your dealer located in Oman – my equipment details are WO ZS73r (460mm Focal Length) and Meade LX65 8″ ACF (2000mm Focal Length) currently am using Ioptron Gem 28 mount with ASI AIR and ZWO guide scope 120mm focal length – guide camera – 290mc and imaging camera – 294mc pro – i have additional counter weight which i can use for AM5 – my question is without guiding how many sec exposure i can take from this mount – also currently am facing issue with ASIAIR tracking turns off automatically will this occur with AM5 as well also do i need to buy extension pier for my set up – can i give power from mount to camera or EAF or Dew heater??
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Hello! We apologize for this inconvenience. Please contact our support(support@zwoptical.com). They have the expertise and resources to assist you effectively.
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Will the AM5 come with a dedicated Handset as I do not wish to use a computer or ASAIR to control it, and does it future accurate GO TO ? Thank you
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Hello! The AM5 come with hand controller.
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How well is the backlash managed with this mount? Any data you can share?
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Our products will be attached with CE curve for reference.
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Hi Team!
When will we have any review of the AM5? The promotion is over and still nothing.
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Please keep eyes to your offical social media, we will release reviews once we have;-)
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What is the diameter of the balance bar and thread size.? Will Celestron bars fit ?
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Hello! The diameter of counterweight bar is 20mm, screw thread is M12*1.75.
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It is recommended to increase the built-in 12v battery
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2
Hi CHEUNG,
Thanks for your suggestion, we will consider it ๐
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1
Hi, I’ve already preorded ๐ the mount and planning to use it with all the ZWO setup, main camera, guide camera, EAF, EFW, ASIAIR. After reading the FAQ I’ve some questions please.
Since you definitely decided by topic N.09 to remove the laser pointer (very sad about this decision) and by topic 08 you stated that will be possible to use another ZWO camera to make the polar alignment …..will be necessary any bracket or similar to hold the camera ? And above all wiil be this accesory provided in the box ?
Topic N.04
On Istagram you replied a question about the Counterweight arm stating that it will be included for FREE in the mount packing box…..now I’m reading it will be for sale…I strongly hope it will be included please.
Topic N.11
I’m also interested in the pier extension, once available I hope will be possible to add it at the preorder at a DISCOUNTED price considering it as a part of the preorder already made for the AM5 mount.
Thanks and please make a great job with this mount since every ZWO supporter have great hopes for it ๐ !!!
Alf
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What other additional equipment is required? The answer to question #9 stated the laser pointer will NOT be included in the first iteration of this mount. Other mounts at this level include the ability for polar alignment. Your advertising the laser pointer and the ability for polar alignment, so?
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Topic No. 6 is somewhat unclear.
You wrote:
“At meridian flip the mount will stop.”
Does it mean that if I don’t want to do meridian flip, the mount will stop anyway and I will have to do flip anyway, even though I don’t want to?
“Automated meridian flips will be possible using the ASIAIR.”
Does it mean that automated meridian flip will not be possible using a 3rd party acquisition program (eg APT, SGP etc.) via the ASCOM platform?
Thank you!
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You can use ASIAIR or a 3rd party acquisition program to meridian flip, otherwish the mount will stop at meridian line;-)
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Hi AM5 team
Will the AM5 mount be available in India for Sale. if yes by when and where.
Would be keen to know the details.
Thanks & Regards
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You can order AM5 mount on our website or from our dealers;-)
https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/product/zwo-am5-harmonic-equatorial-mount
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